Chapter 17

Declan lay awake after Renee had fallen asleep in his arms. He contemplated how to treat what would surely be an awkward morning for them.

However, when the sun streamed through the window and he rolled over to pull her close, he found he was alone. He sat up, scrubbed a hand over his face, and checked the time on his phone. She'd said she was getting her hair done or some shit, but it was only nine.

He got out of bed and took a shower. Maybe she left because she had regrets. He hoped the fuck not. That would make for an even more awkward weekend and a long drive home.

Plus, he wasn't ready to walk away from what they'd started. When he got out of the shower, he heard noise in the bedroom. Renee must've returned, so he wrapped a towel around his waist and went out. "Hey."

"Hi." She turned and flashed him a bright smile. "I thought you'd still be sleeping. I went out and grabbed some breakfast and coffee."

He froze for a minute, completely unsure of how to respond. He'd been so sure he was going to have to argue with her about how good last night was and how it wasn't a mistake that seeing her happy caught him off guard.

"You okay?" she asked.

"Yeah. I was wondering where you'd gone."

She held up a bag. "Breakfast. I figured we both worked up an appetite last night. Even with the midnight snack."

"Honestly, I thought you slipped out because you were having regrets." He stepped closer and wrapped an arm around her waist. "I've never been so glad to be wrong."

He lowered his mouth and kissed her. The faint taste of coffee mixed with mint, but underneath, Renee's uniqueness. And he wanted more.

Her fingers gripped his shoulder, flexed, and then pressed him back. "Let's eat."

"What time do you have your hair thing?"

"After lunch, which I'm supposed to eat with them."

"Then I have plenty of time."

Her smile was soft and warm. "We do. That's why I brought breakfast back here. We can fuel up and then burn it off before lunch."

She stepped out of his embrace, but took his hand and led him to the small table by the window. She pulled wrapped sandwiches from the bag, and the smell had his stomach growling.

She smirked. "See? You're hungry."

Since he couldn't argue, he took a sandwich from her, held the edge of his towel, and sat down. She sat across from him and stretched out her legs until her feet rested on his lap. It was such a comfortable move, it caught him off guard. Why had he thought this morning would be awkward? They were good together.

He took a huge bite of the sandwich and gave himself a moment to thoroughly enjoy the flavors before asking, "What's the schedule for today?

"I need to have lunch with the girls. We're going to get our hair done together. Then I'll be back here for a little bit to get dressed and do my makeup. Thankfully, Mariah's not doing a whole bunch of pictures before the wedding. The photographer is just doing shots of her. I have to be at the hall at four. The ceremony is in one room and then we move down the hall for the reception."

"So you don't need me until it's time for the wedding?"

"The day is yours."

It wasn't like he was looking forward to spending time at a wedding with a bunch of strangers but hanging out in a town where he didn't know anyone wasn't much better. They finished eating and cleaned up.

"You want to go for a walk or something? It looks like a great morning," he asked.

She looked a little puzzled. Flicking a thumb over her shoulder, she said, "I thought we had plans."

"It's not even ten."

Pulling him close, she repeated what he'd said last night, "Then we have plenty of time."

She tugged the towel off his waist and his dick immediately took attention. She stroked him a couple of times, pulling a moan from him. Then she lowered herself to her knees and took him in her mouth.

"Fuck," he whispered.

She licked down the length of him and sucked on the head. When she released him from her mouth, she looked up at him with a wide grin. "Still want to go for a walk?"

"Fuck no." He gently gripped her head and moved her back to his throbbing dick.

She went back to sucking and stroking him. Her free hand slid up his chest and toyed with his nipple before coasting back down and massaging his balls.

His grip on her hair tightened and he flexed his hips. In his head, he recalled the recipes for mixed drinks he created as a bartender because he would not embarrass himself by coming too quickly.

Renee squeezed him gently and moaned deep in her throat. He felt the vibrations all the way up his spine. He thrust into her mouth twice and then pulled away. "I want to be inside you. Now."

He yanked her up and pushed her on the bed.

She huffed a laugh as she yanked off her shirt and pushed down her jeans. "In a rush?"

"Fuck yeah, I am." He sheathed himself in a condom. Lowering himself to kiss her, he stroked her and found her already wet. "You like having my cock in your mouth?"

"If I didn't, I wouldn't have done it." She wrapped her legs around his hips and pulled him close.

He guided himself to her entrance and rubbed her with his head. When he bumped her clit, her hips jumped. He sank into her, covering her body with his, so he was on top of her, skin to skin. He thrust slowly, drawing out pleasure for both of them. When he pushed deeply into her, he rotated his hips a bit to rub her clit. He wanted her as off balance as he was.

They moved together and he knew he couldn't hold out much longer. Reaching between them, he used his thumb to circle her clit. She threw her head back and he felt her muscles constrict and pull him deeper. Her thighs trembled on his hips.

He buried his face in her neck, pumped a few more times, and followed her over. They lay silently, except for their rapid breaths. He inhaled her scent and considered that he would never get enough of it.

When his heart rate returned to almost normal, he rolled off her and disposed of the condom. Then he flopped back next to her.

"I've really missed having great sex," she said.

"Glad to be of service." He turned to his side and toyed with her hair. The sun highlighted the reddish-brown strands as they slipped through his fingers. "I'm glad we're doing this weekend together."

"So am I."

"What about after this weekend?" He knew he shouldn't have brought it up, but he figured in the post-orgasmic moment, she might agree to more.

She turned to face him and levered herself up on her elbow. "We talked about this. Us having a relationship would be messy. I have enough messy relationships to last a lifetime."

"Why do you assume it has to be messy?"

"Because you're my brother's friend. You live in my house and are my contractor." She hesitated. "And really, I'm not sure either of us is ready for any kind of commitment."

It was the last one that meant the most to her and stung the most for him.

"It's not that I don't think you're capable," she added. "But even you said part of living with me is so you can figure out your life. You might figure out you're meant to live a nomad life and travel the country in an old RV. That would never be me. You might want someone who doesn't come with a ready-made family."

"I'll never not love Sadie."

She smiled at him and stroked the line of hair on his chest. "I know. It's one of the many reasons you're an awesome guy who will make a woman incredibly happy."

Why can't it be you? He wanted to ask but feared the answer. He wasn't good enough. Not yet.

"I don't suppose you'd be willing to wait for me?" he joked.

"Sure, dude. I'll put my life on hold and pine away for you like we're in a novel."

"Pining is good."

She laughed and sat up with a sigh. "I should probably shower and get ready. I don't want to go to lunch smelling like sex."

"I thought the goal was to make them all jealous."

"That was never the plan. I don't need to make Graham jealous. I don't want him to want me, and jealousy would imply that." She walked toward the bathroom. "Make him regret his life choices? That would be okay. But I could not care less what anyone thinks about my relationship status."

He watched her walk away and began plotting how to get her to give them a real chance.

Renee sat at lunch with the bridal party and they chatted about the singing and drinking at karaoke the night before.

Mariah pointed at her. "You cut out early."

"Not that early. I sang twice." Then she smiled a grin that she'd been trying to hide since she left the room. "It's not my fault I got a better offer."

Mariah cackled. "I bet it was a better offer. Declan is hot. When the hell did that happen? When you mentioned a plus-one, I thought you were bringing a friend."

"He is a friend."

"Who is obviously offering some damn good benefits. You're practically glowing."

Tina nudged her shoulder. "You are looking good. Whatever you have going on, keep it up. I'm pretty sure it's driving Graham crazy."

The smile fell from her face. "I'm not trying to make him anything. Really. There is zero possibility of a second chance romance here."

"Oh. I didn't mean it like that. I believe you. I'm not sure he does, but that's on him."

The whole thing felt too familiar to Renee. "So I guess you aren't in it for the long haul, huh?" She slapped a hand over her mouth. From between her fingers, she added, "Sorry. That is none of my business."

Tina chuckled. "You're fine. Unless something changes pretty quick, no, I won't be around much longer. I'm really starting to think he's with me to try to make you jealous. We're all too old for those games."

"Thanks. I appreciate it. I don't think he's dating you to make me jealous. I think he wants to prove he's moved on, and I'm fine with that."

Tina lifted her Bloody Mary. "To all the men who aren't assholes. May they make you laugh and come in equal measure."

The whole table burst into laughter and conversation turned to advice for Mariah about how to keep the spice going in her marriage.

As a group, they went to the salon and took turns getting their hair and nails done. It was a nice, relaxing afternoon. When they finished, Mariah was a whirlwind of excitement as she and her sister were off to meet their mom to get ready and take pictures. She yelled at all of them that they had less than two hours to finish getting beautiful and get to the hall.

They all gave their assurances they would be on time. Renee felt light and happy. Of course, the champagne they'd shared while at the salon played a part in that. But the rest had been hanging with friends, even if they weren't close. This weekend had been a blessing—a break she didn't even know she needed so badly.

As she walked down the hall to her room, she vowed to make some more time to relax and do things for herself. Tyler or her mom would babysit for her. She entered the room and was met with silence. Declan must've decided to go out and find something to do.

She looked around the room. Other than watching TV, there was nothing to do here. She pulled her dress from the wardrobe and took it with her to the bathroom to finish getting ready. After sending a text to Declan to remind him what time the ceremony started, she applied her makeup. She never spent a lot of time on makeup, but for the wedding, knowing she'd have to smile for a gazillion pictures, she put in a little extra effort.

Still not a lot of makeup though. She didn't need it rubbing off on Declan's borrowed suit. The thought brought images of being in his arms, dancing. And more. Suppressing a shudder, she stepped into the dress, glad Mariah had kept it simple.

The navy blue dress had a sweetheart neckline and little off-the-shoulder straps. It flared a little at the waist and swirled around her knees. It was the cutest bridesmaid dress she could remember ever seeing. That included the ones her friends had worn at her wedding.

The door opened as she put in her earrings. She stepped out of the bathroom. "Hey. Did you find something fun to do?"

He stood staring at her. His eyes went a little dark. "Just wandered around a while."

"We have less than an hour to get to the ceremony, so you should probably start getting ready."

He stepped closer. "It only takes me a few minutes to change my clothes."

Wrapping an arm around her hip, he tugged her close. He nuzzled her neck and then kissed her. "You smell so fucking good."

She tensed and tried to step back. "We cannot do this. I'm dressed and you need to get ready."

"You said I had an hour."

"Less than an hour."

He kissed her neck. "Ten minutes to get to the hotel. Ten minutes to change. That gives me at least twenty minutes to make you come."

"No!" She gripped his shoulders. "I'm ready. I don't have time to change and if you mess up my hair, Mariah will kill you."

He shifted to look into her eyes. "So, as long as I stick to the schedule, and I don't mess up your hair or dress, I can do what I want?"

"I didn't say that."

His hand skated up her thigh. "But you want to."

"We don't have time."

"We do. Let me prove it."

"We can't be late."

"I promise you will be on time, looking hotter than the bride." He stroked her through her panties.

Her eyes fluttered closed. This man was going to be the death of her. She didn't respond. There was nothing to say. Whenever he touched her, she melted and couldn't think straight. He had her hot and ready and she was already breathing heavy.

"Come here and sit down." He led her to the chair by the window.

"I can't wrinkle this dress."

"Sweetheart, if I make you come while you're standing, you'll fall over and mess yourself up. Trust me."

As she lowered to the seat, he lifted her dress so it flowed behind her and over the arms of the chair.

"Now lift up a second so I can take off your underwear."

She did as she was told.

He tsked at her. "Already wet. You might want to get a fresh pair." He inhaled deeply before tossing them aside.

She closed her legs and pressed her thighs together.

"Uh-uh. That's for me." He slid her dress a little higher, careful not to wrinkle it, and disappeared between her legs.

He didn't toy around but dove right in, sucking and licking. One arm scooped behind her ass and scooted her forward. Without missing a beat, he thrust fingers inside her and began pumping to the rhythm his tongue kept. She tried not to move, afraid of messing up her hair and the dress, but he felt so fucking good.

She slapped a hand on top of his head and held him as she shifted to keep his mouth where she wanted it. He suddenly switched his movements rapidly alternating between flicking her clit and sucking hard on it.

"Oh, god. Don't stop. Please."

He chuckled and she felt the puff of air against her wet skin as an added sensation. She no longer cared if the dress was wrinkled. She thrust her hips up and rode the fuck out of his face until she was shuddering and shaking, sparks of light flashing behind her eyelids, and unable to speak coherently.

When he was done, every muscle in her body was loose. He'd been right. There was no way she'd still be upright if she'd been standing when he did that.

He popped out from under her skirt and looked at the bedside clock. "By my count, I still have about ten minutes."

"Oh god. I can't do more of that. I won't be able to walk down the aisle."

"Don't worry. It's my turn. Stand up."

Even though she wasn't sure her legs would hold her, she did what he asked. He spun her to face the mirror over the desk in the corner. Skimming his fingers across her collarbones, he whispered against her neck, "You're so beautiful I can't control myself. Every time I look at you, I want you again."

Her eyes drifted closed as he spoke.

"Bend over and hold onto the desk. I need to be inside you, but if I lay you down, everyone will know I fucked you right before the wedding."

She leaned forward, keeping her eyes on his as he dropped his jeans and kicked them to the side. He lifted her skirt and flipped it over her back. With both hands, he grasped her ass cheeks. "Oh, fuck," he said reverently.

As he massaged her cheeks, her eyes fluttered closed again. Everything he did felt so good, but it was almost overwhelming. Almost.

His hands left her body and she heard him tear the condom wrapper. She reopened her eyes and watched him in the mirror as he entered her. With a grin, she said, "Better hurry. We're on a schedule. I'd hate to cut you off before you finish."

He smacked her ass as he thrust deeper. A rotation of his hips had her eyes rolling back in her head. How did he know how to get to her every time?

He began pumping into her and after a few strokes, he lost his restraint. He pounded into her, flesh slapping. Every time they connected, she came a little closer to the brink and it was like he knew it. He reached around and pinched her already sensitive clit.

It sent them both over again.

When she reopened her eyes, she caught him staring at her in the mirror. The look was filled with something other than lust, but she didn't know what to think. Her mind was foggy from sex.

He pulled out and said, "Don't move."

"Wha—"

"Stay." He pointed a finger at her.

"I'm not a dog."

Returned a second later with a washcloth. "I promised you would not only be on time but that you wouldn't be a mess."

He gently cleaned her up.

The action was so kind and thoughtful, that Renee didn't know what to do with the swell of emotion bubbling up in her.

"Okay." He tossed the washcloth into the bathroom. "Now go get some fresh underwear while I get dressed."

"Yes, sir."

"You don't want to start, or we'll never make it out of this room."

She shivered a little but stepped away from him. True to his word, he was ready in less than ten minutes. She freshened her makeup and they were out the door with five minutes to spare. They walked to the hall holding hands like a real couple.

Renee chose not to think about the ramifications of that. Right now, she was too happy to care.